NEW ORLEANS, La. - A pair of Wilberforce University women's basketball players have earned preseason all-HBCUAC honors, the league announced today (Wednesday, October 15, 2025). 

ALL-HBCUAC

Sophomore Laniya Early earned first-team honors, while junior Makyla Tucker earned second-team laurels. As a team, the Bulldogs were picked to finish 10th in the 15-team conference in a vote of the conference coaches. 

"Excellence is born from dedication and hard work," said Wilberforce University Head Women's Basketball Coach Rachel Naughton. "I'm proud of my players, Laniya Early and Makyla Tucker, for their athletic honors. This is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and talent. I truly believe in their potential and am excited to see their continued success both on the court and in life." 

In her first collegiate season, Early led the team with 19.3 points per game in 13 games. If eligible, Early would have led HBCU in scoring. The guard also led the team with 2.4 steals per game, was second with 5.8 rebounds and third with 2.0 assists.  

She shot 37.6 percent from the field, including 35.5 percent from three-point range. Early reached double figures in all 13 of her games, including a career-high 35 points in the regular-season finale victory over Simmon. 

Tucker led the HBCUAC with 80 three-pointers on a HBCUAC-high 236 attempts. She was third on the team with 13.5 points per game. Tucker reached double figures in 19 of 27 games, including a career-high 26 in the win over the University of Virgin Islands.  

Wilberforce begins the season Friday, October 24, hosting Defiance College in non-conference action.